What exactly is hydroplaning? Well, basically, Cincinnati friends, it’s when your car or truck or motorcycle skids on wet roads. When your tires hit pooling water — and it does not have to be much! — and loses traction, then you momentarily lose control of braking, steering, etc.: it’s much like skidding on icy roads.
Your tires are made with treads to disperse water as it rolls over wet pavement, which helps keep any type of hydroplaning to a minimum. So guess what is the first thing to consider to avoid this scary situation? You’re right! Keep your tires properly inflated and replace your tires (rotate, too!) when needed.
And, slow down! Going too fast in the rain keeps your tires from properly dispersing the water as your car rolls over it.
Myth or truth? Roads are more slippery when the rain has just started, even more so than after it has been raining for a while and is pouring. TRUTH! A light rain or when a rain has just begun causes the water to try to mix with the oily road surface and, yes, you guessed it, it’s more treacherous then versus in a deluge.
And just few more common sense tips:
- Avoid puddles and standing water, if possible. Choose the lane that has fewer spots of standing water, when you can.
- Try not to slam on your brakes! Braking “hard” can force a hydroplane on wet surfaces. Likewise, go slower in a turn and try not to make a super sharp turn when driving in the rain.
- Avoid cruise control. Sometimes the rapid acceleration of cruise control is tricky on rainy days. Stay in complete control yourself and ease into accelerating.
Recent Comments